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HMD has teamed up with Norway's Xplora to introduce XploraOne, a compact hybrid phone built specifically for children. Borrowing the hybrid concept from HMD's Touch 4G, this device aims to deliver the essentials of a smartphone while keeping safety and parental control front and center.
Familiar hardware, kid-focused layout
From the teaser images, XploraOne echoes the Touch 4G’s tidy design: a small touchscreen on the front, a selfie camera and a tactile home button. The rear houses a single camera with an LED flash. A physical SIM slot sits on the left, with power and volume keys on the right. The top edge appears to include an extra button and a 3.5mm headphone jack—simple, durable and easy for little hands to use.
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Built for parents, safe for kids
What separates XploraOne from a standard smartphone is its safety-first software approach. Teasers confirm it can make and receive calls and supports typed and voice messages, but it deliberately omits third-party apps, web browsers and social media clients. That pared-back experience, combined with extensive parental controls, aims to give caregivers visibility and control without entirely cutting kids off.
Key features highlighted so far
- Voice calls and messaging (text and voice)
- Strict parental controls and limited app access
- No third-party app stores, browsers, or social media apps
- Physical SIM support and traditional hardware controls
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Why XploraOne matters
Parents are increasingly looking for devices that strike a balance: enough connectivity for emergencies and family contact, but without the distractions and risks of full-blown smartphones. XploraOne looks to meet that middle ground—more advanced than a basic feature phone, but far safer than an unrestricted smartphone or social-heavy device.
What’s still unknown
HMD and Xplora have not revealed specs, battery life, regional availability or pricing yet. Expect further announcements in the coming weeks that will clarify hardware details and the exact parental-control feature set. For now, XploraOne reads like a promising option for parents who want a phone-first device tailored to children, rather than a water-downed adult smartphone.
Source: gsmarena
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